motor swap removal question

[jinoguy]

Wassup Rev! I'm doing the swap this week and wanted to know whats the best way to pull the motor.

Currently have an e30 with an M50 and now installing an s52. Is it better to remove the motor with the tranny or without?

Just trying to see what's the easiest way. There's 2 different stories from reading previous posts.

One says it's better to remove at once. The other says it's harder to to reinstall with the tranny. What do you guys think? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[sohc12vm20]

I removed my m20+transmission+half the drive shaft connected no problem. When I installed my s52, I installed it with the transmission attached. Had it in in about 45min, me and one friend:)

[Jafxod]

Ive ALWAYS done it with the trans in. All you need a cherry picker on the front lift point on the motor and a maybe a jack under the trans to get it out. I can pull a motor in like 5 minutes if everything is disconnected.

[alpinescott]

Leave the tranny on the s52 but take PS, AC off for sure to help with clearance. Did it by myself with the help of a floor jack and a cheap hoist....couple of hours and all was glorious!

[jinoguy]

Thanks rev! I'll post pics in the project area :)

[jinoguy]

Forgot to mention but I should pull the radiator out as well or is there enough clearance?

[cabin]

Pull the radiator for sure.

[Jafxod]

Pull the radiator for sure.

[matthugie]

With the radiator out and a/c compressor taken off I got my s52 in without too much difficulty. Had to pull the headers off to massage them a couple times, but everything else went in just fine.

[E4Development]

Pulling my m20 this weekend to put an m50 in soon, remove everything as per the e30 Bentley manual (radiator, hoses, unhook A/C comp., etc.), leave trans. attached, hook hoist in front, jack under rear. After reading several threads this seems to be the best approach. Even though OP's car has m50 the Bentley manual should still apply to radiator removal and all.